Book Review - His & Hers by Alice Feeney

 

If there are two sides to every story, someone is always lying…

Jack: Three words to describe my wife: Beautiful. Ambitious. Unforgiving.
Anna: I only need one word to describe my husband: Liar.

When a woman is murdered in Blackdown village, newsreader Anna Andrews is reluctant to cover the case. Anna’s ex-husband, DCI Jack Harper, is suspicious of her involvement, until he becomes a suspect in his own murder investigation.

Someone is lying, and some secrets are worth killing to keep.

Book Review - 5 stars

Brilliant, just brilliant.  I loved that this author made me guess, 2nd guess, give up on guessing and guess again. I loved every moment of this book.  The author is so good at making you believe and make sense of what you are reading which takes the suspicion from one to another multiple times.  And at times you hear from the murderer and it seems like they are telling you who the murderer is, so well done.

The chapters go back and fourth from His/Jack and Hers/Anna, a divorced couple that are faced to liaise with each other as they are also on the same murder case, whom they happen to also know.  Each chapter reveals a little about each character without pointing the finger specifically at one.  As the story starts from a traumatic incident involving teenagers and this incident then comes up for Anna, as the reader you dislike so many of the characters and believe no wonder revenge is involved but still who is the murderer.  

This story involves brutal murder, bullying, cheating, lots of secrets, dementia and as a warning, animal cruelty.  (a very small part but for animal lovers, cats specifically, it would be sad for you possibly)

The less I say, the better.  I highly recommend.  I was right with my suspicion but the author definitely took me away from my thought numerous times.  I was really pleased with the ending as nothing was rushed.  I look forward to looking up other works by Alice Feeney, this was well done.  

My Favourite Quote

There is an energy that connects us together, flowing through us like electricity.  We are all just light bulbs. Some shine brighter than others, some show us the way when we are lost.  Others are a little too dull to be of any real use or interest.  Some burn out. (page 234)

It's Monday, What are you reading?

 

Book Date now hosts It's Monday What Are Your Reading?  The meme that we use to share what we read this past week and what our plans are for the upcoming week.  It's a great way to see what others are reading and add to your own To Be Read List.

I'm currently reading and loving

I completed and reviewed Goodnight Beautiful by Aimee Molloy - 4 stars - My Review 

This is what I am choosing for my January reads, it depends on my mood for what is up next.  Have you read any of them? 

Review - Goodnight Beautiful by Aimee Molloy

 

Amazon Summary

A HANDSOME PSYCHOTHERAPIST, HIS LONELY WIFE, AND IN HIS HOME OFFICE, A CEILING VENT. . . YOU'D LISTEN TOO, WOULDN'T YOU?

Newlyweds, Sam Statler and Annie Potter are ready to begin their lives together in a small town in upstate New York. Whilst Annie spends most of her time alone, Sam, her therapist husband, works long hours in his home office, tending to the egos of his mostly female clientele.

Little does Sam know that through a vent in the ceiling, every word of his sessions can be heard from the room upstairs. The pharmacist's wife, contemplating a divorce. The well-known painter whose boyfriend doesn't satisfy her in bed. Who could resist eavesdropping?

Everything is fine until the French girl in the green Mini Cooper shows up, and Sam disappears into thin air, throwing a wrench into Sam and Annie's happily ever after.

My Review - 4 Stars

I love the idea of being a fly on a wall and listening to the counselor and client, I was sold.  And unreliable narrators keep me guessing, it is a style I really enjoy.  I was intrigued with the first few chapters and totally was thinking it was going in another direction then BAM, wow okay, not what I expected, this is getting good....

Annie and Sam are Newlyweds and have a serious commitment to the role playing of their marriage, you try not to have judgement, a little risky but it works for them.  Then Sam goes missing.  Is it all a part of their game.  Are they reenacting one of their favorite Stephen King books? 

The next part of the story was edge of your seat worthy, who is deceiving who, can you figure it out?

I really enjoyed the ending but it did feel a little rushed and the last sentence made me laugh.  I can see some hating the ending.

There are definitely parts of roll your eye worthy, the police investigation, neighbors, health team etc but overall a great read.  Definitely a solid 4 star.  

Favourite Reads of 2020

The Top Ten Tuesday weekly meme is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Happy 2021, wishing you a year filled of happiness, great reading, great health, peace, love and success.

It has been over a year that I have blogged but I miss having somewhere to look back at my reviews and most of all getting amazing recommendations from you.  I have to start networking again to see who is still reviewing, old blogging friends and especially in the Thriller and Suspense genre.  I hope everyone is well.

My Favourite Reads of 2020

I was happy to get back into reading how I loved and most of my reads are still a solid 4 star which is great but I only have a Top 5 of 4 1/2 and 5 star reads.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celese Ng - 5 star 

Hands down, my favourite read of the year so far. I loved it because it had a flair of my favourite genre, psychological domestic thriller. Amazing characters. I went into it blind, I just knew everyone said to watch the series. I love reading so I knew I had to read it first.

The Light we Lost by Jill Santopolo - 5 star

Do you remember your first love? Has it impacted your whole life or just a memory?

I loved this book. First love, memories, decisions, moving on with your first love always in your heart and back of your head. If you haven't experienced this kind of love I think you will hate this book and think Lucy is selfish as she does have a beautiful family with her husband.

There were lots of reflections for me. This is not a romance novel. I think it will be a good Book club read.

If you loved The Notebook and Me Before You, I highly recommend.

Killman Creek (2nd book in series) by Rachel Caine - 4 1/2 stars

My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite- 4 1/2 stars

Home Body by Rupi Kaur - 4 1/2 stars

4 stars Honorary Mentions as a Top Ten list are:

- Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey

- Untamed by Glennon Doyle

- Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger

- More Myself by Alicia Keys

- My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

Top Ten Auto-Buy Authors

The Top Ten Tuesday weekly meme is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

I have been reflecting the last month on things that I have loved and blogging was within the top two things.  Recommending books has been the topic of lots of discussion and it made me say 'try' to make it part of your life again, so here I am.  A few blogging friends are still at it, the simple pleasure of the blogging life,.  I still know some of you.  BIG SMILES

Today's discussion Top Ten Auto-Buy Authors 

It was very easy to come up with my Top Five but I did do a list of Ten.  I look forward to networking and visiting your pages too. 

Andrea Kane 

Her Forensics Instincts series is amazing, I have to read it as soon as it's released

Mary Higgins Clark

My very 1st favourite author that made me love the suspense, mystery, thriller genre.

JT Ellison

Another series, especially the Taylor Jackson series I love

Lisa Genova

Her book Still Alice is a forever favourite, such an amazing read.  I have enjoyed all of them.

Kristin Hannah

Depending on my mood I could choose a different favourite, what an amazing author.

BA Paris

I would consider a new author but WOW, I'm sold, read them all so far.

Sam/Samantha Hayes

This is my favourite of hers, but I definitely did a marathon to go back and read her others.

Chris Bohjalian

I have had some of the best discussions on his books.  Trans-Sister Radio WOW

Rupi Kaur

I really want to see her perform live.  Only two books but definitely an Auto-Buy for new.

Calia Read - Honorable Mention, still new to me

I am working my way through but these two books, mercy.

I look forward to seeing your top ten, if you are a thriller, suspense, mystery fan, definitely give me your list please. 

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Happy Monday - It's been to long.....

Book Date now hosts It's Monday What Are Your Reading?  The meme that we use to share what we read this past week and what our plans are for the upcoming week.  It's a great way to see what others are reading and add to your own To Be Read List.


I am so out of the loop with books and blogging, what is hot, who is the new debut author, what is the popular book across the blogosphere and of course all the amazing have to read thrillers.  I do miss blogging and networking but life has taken over.  I don't think I will ever officially give up the blog and every time I do post, like now, I have intentions on returning at least once a week but we will see.

This has been a year of change, the highest of highs and the lowest of lows but my health is great, my yoga business at a high, my child is doing well in all areas so I'm grateful.

I miss many of you and will for sure come over and network this week and catch up a little.

What book do you think should be a must read for me by end of year?  (Thanks)


I'm currently reading and loving - an all time favourite author

I read this series back to back - pleasantly pleased 5 star series

Lots to still review and they were all 4 star reads for me. 

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Review - The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

Published - December 2017

Book Summary

From stand-up comedian, actress, and breakout star of Girls Trip, Tiffany Haddish, comes The Last Black Unicorn, a sidesplitting, hysterical, edgy, and unflinching collection of (extremely) personal essays, as fearless as the author herself.

Growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles, Tiffany learned to survive by making people laugh. If she could do that, then her classmates would let her copy their homework, the other foster kids she lived with wouldn’t beat her up, and she might even get a boyfriend. Or at least she could make enough money—as the paid school mascot and in-demand Bar Mitzvah hype woman—to get her hair and nails done, so then she might get a boyfriend.

None of that worked (and she’s still single), but it allowed Tiffany to imagine a place for herself where she could do something she loved for a living: comedy.

Tiffany can’t avoid being funny—it’s just who she is, whether she’s plotting shocking, jaw-dropping revenge on an ex-boyfriend or learning how to handle her newfound fame despite still having a broke person’s mind-set. Finally poised to become a household name, she recounts with heart and humor how she came from nothing and nowhere to achieve her dreams by owning, sharing, and using her pain to heal others.

By turns hilarious, filthy, and brutally honest, The Last Black Unicorn shows the world who Tiffany Haddish really is—humble, grateful, down-to-earth, and funny as hell. And now, she’s ready to inspire others through the power of laughter.

My Review - 4 1/2 stars

I haven't laughed so much at a book in years, crying, trying to catch your breath laughter.  Tiffany Haddish makes you want to meet her.  I could totally have a drink or coffee with her.  I would have to be careful not to choke or spit my drink out with laughter though.  She is crazy as heck and knows it. 

When the movie Girls Trip came out a few friends went out for a girls night, a fun movie and the crazy scenes involved Tiffany. She has made a name for herself out of laughter, her personal mantra is to make everything fun.  What a hard life she had growing up but her mantra helped her get through.  It also caused heartache and naivety but on the other side her strong morals probably saved her life.

Her men stories are hilarious, she dances for an elder man and he has a heart attack, she calls herself the booty assassin.  I also liked that she didn't name some people, she has moved on, left the toxic behind, why give them any kind of public acknowledgement.  If you have read 'The Help' there is a scene that makes me think of the 'Pie', awesome retaliation, I can't give to much because you just have to read. 

I enjoyed the titles of her chapters and the meaning behind her book title, The Black Unicorn.  One thing about Tiffany, she relates to everything, is triggered by somethings and the small things matter.

The first part of the book was unbelievably funny.  We get to her Ex Husband chapter and the laughter starts to slow down, I was like 'Tiffany, come on.......'  It is important to remember celebrities are real people and make mistakes just like everyone else. 

I know, I know.  You're right.  I should not have taken him back.  It's easy to sit here now and evaluate this and see I made the wrong decision.  I know that.  Kindle 63%

Let's just all pause here and take a breath.  Maybe a drink, rest up.  Because the story is not done, and we about to dive back into some intensity.  Kindle 69%

At this point I want laughter again, what a life, wowsa.

Overall a really fun read.  If you enjoyed The Girls Trip I would recommend.  This book is not for everyone and is probably not one to read in public, you will giggle and downright have the laugh of your life in that moment.  Comedy is her life, it is her safe place.

I was happy to read this when I was sick and needed a laugh.  For those that have read it..... Tiff-a-Knee.... was the funniest chapters.  I want to hear this story in person.

Review - The Reunion by Samantha Hayes

Published - February 2018


Book Summary

They were all there the day your sister went missing.
Who is lying? Who is next?

THEN – In charge of her little sister at the beach, Claire allowed Eleanor to walk to the shop alone to buy an ice cream. Placing a coin into her hand, Claire told her to be quick, knowing how much she wanted the freedom.

Eleanor never came back.

NOW – The time has finally come to sell the family farm and Claire is organising a reunion of her dearest friends, the same friends who were present the day her sister went missing.

When another girl disappears, long-buried secrets begin to surface. One of the group hides the darkest secret of them all…

If you loved Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, this gripping psychological thriller packed full of twists and turns will be impossible to put down. 



My Review - 4 star

I haven't read a book by Samantha Hayes in a few years and I wanted my next read to be from a favourite author, it didn't disappoint.  I enjoy the authors style,  the complexity of a suspense, mystery but in a simplistic way, no manipulating just good writing but the reader doesn't want to miss the little clues she gives you.

Claire is the glue of the family, loyal and honest to family and friends.  She lives with her husband and kids next to her childhood family farm house where her mom and dad still live.  Her mom would like to sell, she feels it is time, to large for them now and her dad has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimers and doesn't want to sell.   Claire comes up with the idea to have a reunion including siblings and best friends.  She thought it would help to bring good memories back for her dad before it was to late and to help make the decision about selling.  The mystery of the loss of her sister still is a black cloud over the family and everyone hasn't been together since that tragic day.

This place was a home.  A proper, permanent home. It was comfortable, lived-in and brimming with memories.  Rain fought the feelings of jealousy but couldn't prevent the tightness in her chest.  She wondered if she should throw up again.  Kindle 18%

Everyone starts to arrive for the anticipated reunion, fun times going down memory lane.  An addition comes along, Claire's best friends daughter, Rain.  Well she was a character that pulled at your emotional strings, anger, sadness, dismissive, empathy and sympathy but overall she is in teenager hell mode and it was hard to like and believe her. And then history repeats itself and Rain has gone missing also.

Claire felt another surge of guilt. What had been intended as a pleasurable and healing week for him had turned into a nightmare.   What kind of memories were being stirred up?  Not the ones she's intended, that was for sure.  Kindle 52%

This was a great book on family dynamics and friendships. Who do you believe, what secrets does each person have and how does this affect the tragedies?  I did figure out who was responsible but I still consider it jaw dropping and how it all came together was executed to perfection.  I even knew who would put it all together but the appalling part of the story that occurred to both victims, was shocking to me.  A really great read, you will not figure it all out and will enjoy the complexity of the story and what all the characters bring to the story.



My Reviews of Sam or Samantha Hayes 

My Favourite - Tell Tale - 5 Stars

Someone Else's Son - 3 1/2 Stars

Before You Die - 4 stars

Until You're Mine - 3 1/2 Stars

Review - Everything She Lost by Alessandra Harris

Publication - January 2018

Book Summary

After suffering a mental breakdown that nearly destroyed her marriage, Nina Taylor works hard to maintain her tenuous hold on sanity and be a good mother to her two young daughters. Despite her best efforts, she questions the possibility of a full recovery. Single mom Deja Johnson struggles to overcome her troubled past and raise her young son. But her friendship with Nina brings more complications. What Deja is hiding could not only destroy relationships, but endanger lives. One traumatic night threatens to shatter Nina’s mind. With Deja’s help, she strives to maintain her mental balance. But as events spiral out of control, the women must find out if Nina is losing her sanity or if someone is plotting against her.


My Review - 3 stars

Most of the time Amazon book recommendations for me are great.  I have been in the mood to read about moms so this caught my attention.  I downloaded and read the first chapter then noticed the author had emailed me for a review.  I was sure this was a sign but unfortunately I thought this book wasn't believable and had one of the worst characters I have read, Deja.

Nina is home with her two daughters and husband recovering from a mental breakdown.  I found the point of the breakdown a continuous 'carrot dangling' moment without the details.  Why did it happen, why does the school treat her differently, was she correct with her thoughts, etc.  We are to believe Nina is an unreliable character but I never fell for it so the story and ending was predictable for me.  Overall, Nina was a lovely character, the grieving part of the story was done well but the journey was painful to read, she was a glimmer in a very sad story.

Deja is the 'best friend' who also only came into their lives while Deja was in the hospital, how naive are we as readers, then she starts an affair with Nina's husband.  I was angry as a woman to be reading about weak, manipulative, deceptive, cheating, lying women, it was a disgrace.  I have realized when I don't relate to a character and have such displeasure about a character, I am unable to enjoy the book.

There were many things missing in the story to help bring it all together and your reading, waiting but it doesn't happen.  Additional editing and better execution of the story was needed.  I give this a 3 because I was able to finish the book without skipping but I did consider not finishing.

Then the wrap up was to fast and ridiculous.  I thought Everything She Lost read like a debut with possible potential. The cover is gorgeous but I can't recommend this one.

It's Monday - What are you reading and update?

Book Date now hosts It's Monday What Are Your Reading?  The meme that we use to share what we read this past week and what our plans are for the upcoming week.  It's a great way to see what others are reading and add to your own To Be Read List.


I'm currently reading

Last review - 4 1/2 stars - ARC

Book Summary

After suffering a mental breakdown that nearly destroyed her marriage, Nina Taylor works hard to maintain her tenuous hold on sanity and be a good mother to her two young daughters. Despite her best efforts, she questions the possibility of a full recovery. Single mom Deja Johnson struggles to overcome her troubled past and raise her young son. But her friendship with Nina brings more complications. What Deja is hiding could not only destroy relationships, but endanger lives. One traumatic night threatens to shatter Nina’s mind. With Deja’s help, she strives to maintain her mental balance. But as events spiral out of control, the women must find out if Nina is losing her sanity or if someone is plotting against her.

What is next - a favourite author, it has been awhile

Book Club News

I joined a book club in late 2013, wrote a blog post to get feedback in 2015 and today I am happy to announce, I finally made the hard decision and left the book club.  The ladies were not happy but I stuck to my decision and it made it easier as the choice for the month wasn't one I had interest in.

I have picked up amazing books this year, only one was a 3 star but I'm choosing great books because I keep great notes from memes and blogging friends reviews.  Also, Amazon recommendations are 90% success.  I missed blogging and getting great recommendations from those with similar interest.  Comments made me think more about the book or my post, it has been great. There truly is to many books in the world to read what you don't want, right?  And then we have NetGalley that allows us to request new books of interest.  I am happy to get on the blogging journey, read often again.  I would love to get to a book a week again.

So blogging community, I know going and coming back is sometimes part of the journey but I really miss you when not here.  I can't wait to get back into continuous networking again.


Instagram Query

Are any of you on Instagram?  I have a Instagram page for my Yoga business but I think I may include a post a month on what I have read and network with other book lovers there also.  What do you think?

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

ARC Review - Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

Book Summary from Amazon - Note first 6 chapters are free

Will Publish this July 2018

Meet Hanna.

She’s the sweet-but-silent angel in the adoring eyes of her Daddy. He’s the only person who understands her, and all Hanna wants is to live happily ever after with him. But Mommy stands in her way, and she’ll try any trick she can think of to get rid of her. Ideally for good.

Meet Suzette.

She loves her daughter, really, but after years of expulsions and strained home schooling, her precarious health and sanity are weakening day by day. As Hanna’s tricks become increasingly sophisticated, and Suzette's husband remains blind to the failing family dynamics, Suzette starts to fear that there’s something seriously wrong, and that maybe home isn’t the best place for their baby girl after all.

From blazing new talent Zoje Stage, Baby Teeth is a story about a perfect-looking family, and a darling little girl who wants nothing more than to kill her mother.

My Review 4 1/2 stars

I was thrilled with this one, as a mom, it was remarkable, the fight to understand and connect with your child versus if something is wrong, perhaps mentally.  The chapters go back and fourth from daughter Hanna, who is mute, and her mom Suzette.  Alex and Suzette have a wonderful marriage, a partnership with their work passion, at home and now with their child.  Unfortunately, it is not easy that Suzette struggles to connect with Hanna and Hanna is Alex's little princess, she can do no wrong in his eyes.

Hanna is conniving and it is painful to not like a child and see how bright she is to manipulate others but this makes for an exciting read because you cannot believe what happens as it all unfolds.  This is great mix of books Dibs, In Search of Self and We Need to Talk about Kevin, Dibs was inspiring, Kevin was intense, both memorable and with Baby Teeth, it has all, marriage inspiration on how they deal with it, the intensity of suspense with Hannah's actions and together creates a memorable story and characters. 

Suzette is a stay at home mom with Crohn's disease.  She is a strong women but second guesses her parenting decisions and doesn't know why Hanna doesn't speak.  Then the inevitable happens, Hanna pretends to be a witch and takes on a new evil personality speaking only to her mom to scare her.  She is sweet as pie with daddy though.

But if she repeated the doctor's assessment - that refusing to speak required very different treatment than being unable to speak - then Alex would have to accept that some..most..all of Hannah's willfulness was intentional.  Their daughter was playing with them, in different ways.  Fucking with them.  Manipulation them for her own sadistic purposes.  Kindle 13%

I found the manipulation to be at the highest degree.  It was remarkable to see that Alex didn't see it until it was to late.   You know something is going to happen but you will not believe it when it does and the outcome, that ending made me smile, what a devious mind the author Zoje Stage has. 

Baby Teeth is a boxing match read, mom versus daughter.

She could kill Hanna.
No, she couldn't.
She could.
She'd never.
She might.                  
Kindle 33%

Her thoughts waffled between wanting to help her daughter, and wanting to be free of her.  
Kindle 72%


This story continued to pull me in, I couldn't wait to get in bed to read, or sneak a few chapters at work, I really enjoyed it and highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for this great read.

It's Monday - what are you reading?

Book Date now hosts It's Monday What Are Your Reading?  The meme that we use to share what we read this past week and what our plans are for the upcoming week.  It's a great way to see what others are reading and add to your own To Be Read List.


Currently Reading and loving......

This one comes out in July.  It is on NetGalley and the first 6 chapters free on Amazon.

Book Summary

Meet Hanna.

She’s the sweet-but-silent angel in the adoring eyes of her Daddy. He’s the only person who understands her, and all Hanna wants is to live happily ever after with him. But Mommy stands in her way, and she’ll try any trick she can think of to get rid of her. Ideally for good.

Meet Suzette.

She loves her daughter, really, but after years of expulsions and strained home schooling, her precarious health and sanity are weakening day by day. As Hanna’s tricks become increasingly sophisticated, and Suzette's husband remains blind to the failing family dynamics, Suzette starts to fear that there’s something seriously wrong, and that maybe home isn’t the best place for their baby girl after all.

From blazing new talent Zoje Stage, Baby Teeth is a story about a perfect-looking family, and a darling little girl who wants nothing more than to kill her mother.

Review Coming, another great read

My last review, loved it.  5 star 

This may be my next read but it comes out March 20, I will probably get another read in before that.

I am having a great start to the year for reading, two 5 stars, last year I had none.  I am unable to read as many books as I used to but if I continue on with the quality of choices, I am grateful.

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Review - Pop Goes The Weasel by MJ Arlidge

Book Published - October 2015

Book Summary

A man’s body is found in an empty house.
A gruesome memento of his murder is sent to his wife and children.
He is the first victim, and Detective Helen Grace knows he will not be the last. But why would a happily married man be this far from home in the dead of night?

The media call it Jack the Ripper in reverse: a serial killer preying on family men who lead hidden double lives.

Helen can sense the fury behind the murders. But what she cannot possibly predict is how volatile this killer is—or what is waiting for her at the end of the chase....


My Review - 3 1/2

I really loved book one, Eeny Meeny and thought I would have read this one sooner but I was a little disappointed.  I may be tired of the prostitute getting revenge story but it seemed like it took forever to invest the reader.  The first book was edge of your seat worthy and this one I had to force myself to read until it got exciting near the end.

Another issue I had was some of the revelations are not powerful, I didn't figure it out which was good but it came so late and with an emotional shocking fact.  The book was almost over by then.  Readers need more then just murders, this lacked excitement.  I couldn't wait to understand why the female was killing men and when it was revealed, oh my goodness, I felt like crying, traumatic experience.

I like Detective Helen Grace but she ends up with the short end of the stick again with awful bosses who do not respect her intelligence and style.  Book two went into other relationships that make Helen who she is and the spin was that the a journalist found out everything she worked hard to keep secret and continued to blackmail her.  Many would enjoy this story line but the journalist annoyed me so this didn't work well.  You should read this series in order, the author is taking her time with developing Helen and slowly giving us more.

I think the average person trust detectives and their specialty but they are real people that sometimes gets distracted and when it comes together, the reader could be disappointed in the overall investigation. There was a lot of consequences of emotions from book one.

I did have issues, not writing execution issues just not great detective work to be honest.  Almost towards the end it became exciting, heartbreaking, almost edge of seat worthy which is why it almost got a 4 star rating.  Book one was so great I feel I need to give the series another chance. 

Book 1 - Eeny Meeny - My Review - 4 1/2 stars

Review - The American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Publication Date, February 2018

Book Summary

Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy’s time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together.
 
This stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward--with hope and pain--into the future.

My Review -  5 stars

I am glad I went into this story without any knowledge.  A friend tagged me on Oprah's post where she recommended friends to read together.  A day later another friend reaches out and starts a Whatsapp group to discuss the book.  I am in a book club but this was a new way to read a book and it added to the enjoyment of reading The American Marriage.  There are no spoilers.

The story is told in 3 Chapters through the main characters Roy, Celestial and Andre.  How you think about marriage will come into question, make you sit back and say what is right or wrong, traditional or not and if generations look at marriage differently. 

"Sometimes when you like where you end up, you don't care how you got there."  Kindle 11%

We get to see how young marriage unfolds, deciding on becoming parents, in-laws, career building and what no one should have to deal with, being locked up for a crime you didn't commit.  How the incarceration affects all involved is an intense, emotional, love affair you will not forget.

Tarai Jones has wrote a winner, I am positive this book will be in my Top Ten for the year.  The older men in the book are the true MVP's, old school wisdom.  I laughed and cried, the story is very touching.  As a black Bermudian it is hard for me to understand the African American life and Tarai Jones does an amazing job on showing us how unfair life can be for an African American man without the feel of racism being uncomfortable.

"I have one thing to say to you, as a black man:  Roy is a hostage of the state.  He is a victim of America.  The least you could do........  Kindle 40%

I did not enjoy the character of Celestial, I just couldn't relate to her thoughts, her decisions, she wasn't a strong or weak female, spoiled yes, but that is still no excuse, I really am stumped by how much I disliked her in the story.  She has strong opinions on not belonging to anyone, this is a continuous topic.  It came to a point every time we came to her chapters, I had to take a breath to tolerate her.

My favourite characters are the fathers in the story and Roy, a true romantic.  There is so much to love about this incredible story.  We get history and heartbreaking moment to moment.  A huge part of the story are told through letters which gave it a beautiful, genuine feel.  You can also feel the journey of love change over the years.

Is it love or is it convenience? Kindle 69% 

The situation was a lot of things - tragic, absurd, unlikely, and maybe even unethical - but it was not convenient.  Kindle 69%

I also enjoyed how as the reader you are unsure who to root for, how the story will end and who really is the underdog.  I loved the ending but I think it will be different for each reader. 

I am very intrigued by the author now and will read more by her. There is so much to this story, I have had to be as general as possible in order for you to enjoy the story as it unfolds.    I highly recommend.